Shuttle box for looms



March 18, 1947.

G. lll. UTTER SHUTTLE BOX FOR LOOMS Filed Aug. l, 1945 2 Shee'S-Shet l FII-11n 271 FIGA-afge,

lI A

INVENTQR *$5 ATTORNEY March 18, 1947. Q H, UTiTER I 2,417,668

' SHUTTLE Box FOR LooMs Filed Aug. 1, 1945 2 sheets-sheet 2 Patented Mar. 18, 1947 SHUTTLE Box Eon ,LooMs Gustaf H. Utter, Worcester, ,Manss., Yassignor to Crompton & Knowles Loom Works, Worcester, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Application August `1, 194,5, ,Serial N o. 6,0 8.?.'i7

This invention relates to improvements in shuttle boxes for looms and the method of their manufacture, and it is the general object of the invention to provide a built-up shuttle box structure made in such a way that the parts thereof which engage a shuttle can be provided with a smooth finish.

A type of lling mixing weft replenishing loom which has recently kgone into general use employs a pair of shifting shuttle boxes on the lay under the magazine at the replenishing end of the loom. These boxes cooperate with other boxes at the opposite end of the loom to position a plurality of shuttles for picking in a prescribed sequence in which each shuttle after being active for one .pick is followed by another shuttle. The shuttle boxes at the magazine end of the loom are provided with two-box cells the upper of which receives the shuttle to be replenished. These boxes rise and fall at two-pick intervals so that four picks are required for `a complete box sequence. The boxes are raised so that the upper box `is above the shuttle race at the time of replenish ment and the top of the top cell is cutaway to provide room for the incoming bobbin, the floor of the top cell is provided with an elongated slot through which the depleted bobbin moves downwardly, and the bottom of the 'bottom cell is cut away to provide an unobstructed path for the expelled bobbin. In a box structure such as that already described the slot in the floor of the top box is relatively wide and has only a narrow shuttle supporting ledge along the front thereof. It is an important object of my present invention to provide a shuttle box having a front section formed with a reinforcing bar or shelf extending along the box and interlocked with the aforesaid ledge for the purpose of reinforcing the oor of the top cell.

It is customary to provide the inner ends of shuttle boxes with shuttle mouths and the outer ends with mounting means for the shuttle binders. It is a further object of my present invention to form the aforesaid reinforcing shelf integral with the front parts of the boxes which form the shuttle mouths and provide pivotal support for the binders.

It is a further object of my present invention to provide improved methods by which a shuttle box can have the interior shuttle engaging surfaces thereof nished by a cheap and eicient machine operation. The method includes thestep of casting the rear part of the box with a solid back wall from which project forwardly the iioor of the top cell andthe top and bottom of the top `and 3 Claims. (Cl. 139-484) bottom cells, respectively, and then subjecting these parts to a machining operation while the forwardly extending parts are braced by the solid back wall. After this finishing operation the back wall is then slotted to provide passages for the shuttle picker which reaches `into the shuttle box. from a point behind the latter.

Another step in the procedure which I follow in cmaking theshuttle box is to cast the floor ,of the upper `cell solid throughout the greater `part of its yextent so that it can withstand the machining operation and stiien the Vback wall, after which Vthe floor is slotted to provide clearance for outgoing bobbins.

With these and other objects in View, which will appear as `the Vdescription proceeds, my invention resides in the combination and arrangee ment cf parts hereinafter described and set forth.

YIn the` accompanying drawings wherein a convenient'embodiment of my invention is set forth,

Fig. `1 is a front elevation of that part of a weft replenishing-loom adjacent to the shuttle boxes forming the subject matter of my present invention,

Fig. 2 is an enlarged plan View `looking in the direction of arrow 2, Fig. 1, showing the shuttle boxes with the adjacent lay carried box guides in section,

Fig. 3 isa front-elevation of the front section or `part of the shuttle box with the-transfervbunter and back box section removed,

Fig. 4 is a plan View 'looking inthe direction of arrow 4, Fig. 3,

Fig.' 5 is -a verticalsectionon an enlarged scale on line `5--5 of Fig. 3,

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail section taken on line 6--6, Fig. 4,

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the rear section or part of the shuttle box before any finishing operations have been `performed on it,

Fig. Sis a front elevation looking in the directionof arrow, Fig. 7,

AFig. 9 is an enlarged-vertical section on line'S-S of Fig. 8,

Fig. l0-is a similar section on line LIB- 10, Fig. 8, but showing the parts subsequent to thecutting of the picker and bobbin slots,

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the-front box section shown .in Figs. 3 and 4, `and Fig. l2 is a perspective viewof'the rearfboxsection or part after the finishing and slottingoperations Athereon have been performed.

In Fig. 11 theloom lay fl!) is provided withinner and outer box` guides A.Il and I2, respectively, whichiare slotted yvertically inthe lusual manner to guide the shuttle boxes for vertical movement. The bobbin chute I3 is under and secured to the shuttle boxes and guides the expelled bobbin forwardly to a bobbin can not shown. A reserve bobbin magazine I4 is located above the shuttle boxes and provides reserve bobbins for the replenishing operations of the loom.

The shuttle boxes in the present instance comprise a gang G having upper and lower box cells I5 and I5, respectively, each capable of receiving a shuttle not shown.

usual to move the binder rearwardly or toward the shuttle. A box lifter rod I9 secured tothe chute I3 extends downwardly to box shifting mechanism not shown.

As set forth in Fig. 1 the gang G is in low position so that the upper cell I5 is'active. As soon as a shuttle enters this box the rod I9 rises to move the gang G toward the magazine I4. If a replenishing operation has been indicated a reserve loobbin` from the magazine I4 will be pushed downwardly into the cell I5 and the exhausted bobbin will be forced downwardly through the bottom box cell I6 and along the bobbin chute I3 toward the bobbin can. At a later time in the operation of the loom the rod I9 is lowered so that the box cell I5 will again be active.

That part of the structure thus far described except the gang G' may be as set forth in prior Patent No. 2,263,261.

The present invention relates to the gang G and the method of its manufacture. The gang is formed of front and back sections or parts designated generally at F and B, respectively, made preferably as castings of some strong and readily machinable material, an example of which is silicon bronze. The first step in the manufacture of these boxes is therefore the casting of the parts F and B in the general form shown in Fig. 3 for part F and Figs. '1 and 8 for part B.

The rough casting of part B has a, substantially solid wall which extends vertically along the rear part of section B and has formed -integral with the left hand part thereof a guide block 26. Projecting forwardly from the wall 25 are three ns or horizontal box forming parts, such as the iin 21 for the top of the top cell I5, iin 28 formingr the bottom of the top cell I5, and iin 29 which forms the bottom of the bottom cell I6. The top and bottom fins 21 and 29 are similar and are of reduced width as at 30 intermediate their ends. These two fins have widened outer horizontal webs 3| of a Width substantially equal to that of the width of the shuttle box. The inner or left end of the upper fin 21 is widened as at 32 but the latter is not as wide as the web 3|. The inner end of the bottom iin has a web 33 which is of substantially the same width as the webs 3l. By reason of the shape of the upper n'21 room is provided for entry of a reserve bobbin during a replenishing operation, and the shape of the bottom iin 29 permits the outgoing bobbin to pass downwardly from the bottom box cell I6. The intermediate n 28 is of the same width as the webs 3I and 33 and is cast solid throughout its length and width except for an opening 35 which is of comparatively small proportions.

After the part B has been formed as the rough casting already described it is submitted to finishing operations in which the part B is held to a finishing machine and cutters not shown are Each shuttle box has a binder I1 and a binder spring I9 which acts as4 passed lengthwise of the part B to provide smooth surfaces on the bottom of iin 21, both top and bottom of the n 28, and the top of n 29. This cutter may be of the rotary type and is so set that 5 it will also finish those parts of the wall 25 between the fins 21 and 29. In this way, the interior surfaces of the part B which are to have engagement with the shuttle are finished by a simple operation. 'The block 26 may then be cut either before or after the foregoing operation to provide a tongue 35 to t the inner lay carried guide I I.

, Depending from the wall 25 are two spaced lugs 51 adapted for attachment to the chute I3. After the Wall 25 and the ns 21, 28 and 29 have been machined as already described, the

wall may be provided with two elongated horizontal picker receiving slots t!! and lll for the box cells-I5 and IG, respectively. These slots are indicated in dot and dash lines in Fig. 8 and in full lines in Fig. 12. The intermediate fin 28 is then provided with a relatively large slot i2 shown in full lines in Fig. 12 but indicated in dot and dash lines in Fig. 1. The opening 35 facilitates starting of the operation in which the slot 42 is cut.

It is immaterial whether the slots 4i) and 4I be cut before or after the slot 42, but it is desirable that none of the slots be cut until after the smoothing operation by which part B is rendered suitable for engagement with a shuttle. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10 the forward parts of the fins 21,

28 and 29 are of substantially the same thickness with the bottom parts of the fins 21 and 28 finished and the top parts of fins 28 and 29 also iinished.

The front part F of the box as a rough casting will have an inner vertical plate which provides the box mouths for cells I5 and I5 and has a vertical bar 5l spaced forwardly from the plate 5E! to provide guides for the shuttle binders. The lower left hand part of the plate 5U is provided with a box mouth extension 52.

The outer plate of the part F is formed with lugs 56 for the binder springs I8 and has bearings 51 corresponding to ns 21 and 29, respectively, for support of a binder pin 5S. An intermediate bearing 59 extends from the left of the plate 55 and has a part thereof in vertical alignment with the bearings 51 so that the binder pin may be supported at three points.

The plates 50 and 55 are joined by a, horizontally extending bar 60 which is integral with the plates and is formed intermediate its ends with a block 6I for the transferrer bunter 62. The block 6I is relatively thick and thinner horizontal webs 55 53 and 64 extend from it toward the plates 59 and 55, respectively.

The rough casting for the part F as thus clescribed is then subjected to a. finishing operation in which the back surfaces and G5 oi the plates 60 50 and 55, respectively, are polished or otherwise rendered smooth, and during this operation the rear surface 61 of the bar 64 is also finished.

Either during, before or after this nishing operation the rear part of the bar B is provided with 65 an elongated horizontal groove 19 proportioned to receive the front edge of the iin 28. Plate 55 has its top edge notched as at 1 I, while both plates have their bottom edges notched, as at 12, for

reception of the forward parts of the webs 3l 7o and 33.

During the finishing of part F a tongue 15 is cut on the right vertical edge of plate 55 for reception by the outer lay carried guide I2, and lthe bearings 51 and 59 may be provided with aligned holes 16 for the binder pin 58. Extending along the rear part of the plate 55 is a vertical rounded groove Il, at the outer ends of notches 'li and l2, and groove 19.

After the two parts F and B have been finished as already describedthey are then iittedtogether with the fins 2l, 28 and 2Q tting into the notch 1l, groove lil, and notches l2, respectively.` The two parts are then clamped together tightly and submitted to a brazing or welding operation by which adjoining parts of the sections F and E are securely attached to each Aothervto provide an integrated gang G.

The box thus made and integrated lis connected to the chute i3 and provided with the binders vIl and binder springs it, after which the chute is connected to rod i9 and the boxes are then ready for use in the loom. While I have set forth a definite sequence in which the various steps are performed, I do not wish to be thus limited, but it is desirable that the back wall 25 and the intermediate iin 28 be as strong as possible to reinforce each other while the shuttle engaging surfaces of the part B are being nished and it is for this reason that I prefer to cut the picker and the bobbin slots lid-fit and i2 after the smoothing operation. It is desirable that the front edge of the fin 23 which forms the bottom of the top cell i shall be so formed as to enter all or the greater part of groove l formed at the back of the bar @il for the purpose of reinforcing the narrow front ledge of the nn 2l which is in front of the bobbin slot 42.

From the foregoing it will be seen that I have provided a simple form of shuttle box wherein the shuttle engaging surfaces may be conveniently cut onto cast parts which when assembled provide a shuttle box gang well adapted for the reception of shuttles. It will also be seen that the bar 64 not only connects the inner and outer plates 55 and 55 of the forward section F to facilitate their handling and alignment, but also supports the front edge of the n 2S, thereby reinforcing the bottom of the top cell which is subjected to the force of transfer during a replenishing operation. The procedure set forth wherein the part B has its internal surfaces finished while the back wall 25 and fin 28 are substantially solid prevents dei-le :tion away from the iinishing tool of those parts intended to be finished.

Having thus described my invention it will be seen that changes and modincations may be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and I do not wish to be limited to the details herein disclosed, but what I claim is:

1. In a shuttle box structure having upper and lower shuttle receiving shuttle boxes, a back section having a vertical wall, top and bottom ns extending forwardly from said wall, an intermediate fin between said top and bottom fins also extending vforwardly from said Wall and having a slot therein for the passage of a bobbin, a front section for said structure having a box mouth plate at one end thereofv and a shuttle binder supporting plate at the other end thereof, and a bar connecting said plates and having a horizontal slot therein into which the front edge of said intermediate iin lits, said top and bottom and intermediate fins being secured to the binder supporting plate, said bottom nn being secured to the box mouth forming plate, and the front edge of said intermediate fin in front of said slot therein being secured to both of said plates and to said bar.

2. In shuttle box structure having top and 6 bottom shuttle boxes, said `structure including a rear section including top andbottom forwardly extending ns and an intermediate iin forming the bottom of the top shuttle box and the top of the bottom shuttle box, said intermediate `fin having a slot therethrough for the passage of a bobbin, the forward edge of said slot being defined by a relatively narrow part of said intermediate nn extending along the front edge thereof, a front section for said structure including a box mouth forming plate and a shuttle binder supporting plate, a bar integral with and extending between said plates and having a groove in the rear edge thereof into which said part of the intermediate iin in front of said slot fits, said two sections being secured together with all three fins secured to the shuttle binder supporting plate, with the intermediate and bottom ns secured to the box mouth forming plate, and with the front edge of said intermediate fins secured throughout its length to said plates Aand bar.

3. In a shuttle box structure having top ,and bottom shuttle boxes, `a rear section having a for.. wa-rdly extending fin forming the bottom of the top shuttle box and having an elongated slot therein for the passage of a bobbin, a narrow part of said iin extending along the front thereof and dening the front edge of said slot, a front section for said structure including a box mouth forming plate at one end thereof and a shuttle binder supporting plate at the other end thereof, and a bar integral with and extending between said plates along said intermediate n, said bar having a groove into which the front edge of said narrow part of said fin lits.

e. In shuttle box structure having top and bottom shuttle boxes, a back` section having aY vertical wall, a top fin extending forwardly from the wall and forming the top of the top shuttle box, and a bottom iin extending forwardly from the wall and forming the bottom of the shuttle box, said ns being recessed intermediate the ends and having wings at their ends, an intermediate iln between said top and bottom ns extending forwardly from the Wall and having a. bcbbin slot therein in vertical alignment with the recessed portions of the top and bottom fins, and a front section for said structure having a box mouth forming plate, a shuttle binder supporting plate, and a bar integral with said plates and extending along said intermediate fin, said plates having grooves into which said wings t and said bar and plates having a slot into which the front edge of said intermediate n fits, said sections being welded together and said bar reinforcing said intermediate fin.

5. In shuttle box structure having top and bottom shuttle boxes, a rear section having a vertical wall from, which ns extend forwardly to form the top of the top shuttle box and the bottom of the bottom shuttle box, an intermediate 1in between said hns forming the bottom of the top shuttle box and having a slot therein for the l ing their forward edges secured to said plates, said intermediate-1in being welded to said bar and the latter deriving support from said plates and reinforcing said intermediate fin.

6. A front shuttle box gang forming member for a shuttle box having two shuttle box receiving cells separated by a, fin, said member having a box mouth forming plate at one end thereof and a shuttle binder supporting plate at the other end thereof, and a bar integral with and extending between said plates and having a slot in the rear edge thereof to receive said fin.

7. A front member for a gang of two shuttle boxes having an intermediate iin between the boxes, said member having a box mouth forming plate at one end thereof and having a, shuttle binder supporting plate at the other end thereof, and a reinforcing bar extending between said plates and integral therewith, said bar and plates having the rear surfaces thereof provided with a slot for the reception of said iin.

8. In a front member for a, gang of two shuttle boxes having top and bottom fms and an intermedi-ate iin between the boxes, said member having a box mouth forming plate at one end thereof and having a shuttle binder supporting plate at the other end thereof, and a bar integral with and extending between said plates, said plates and said bar having a slot cut in the rear surfaces thereof to receive said intermediate fin, and said plates having elongated notches substantially parallel to said slot to receive said top and bottom ns.

GUSTAF H. UTTER..

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

